This 80s TV Darling Walked Away from Fame for Love—Here’s Why!

he was one of Hollywood’s rising stars, capturing audiences with her roles in movies that became cultural icons. Just when she seemed ready for even greater success, she made an unexpected decision. She stepped away from the spotlight, all because of a love story that started in the theater and changed her life forever.

This actress became widely known in the 1980s, starring in hit movies that defined the decade. From romantic comedies to quirky cult classics, she became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces.

However, her dreams went beyond acting in movies.

In the late 1980s, she made headlines for marrying a well-known actor, Kevin Kline, who was 16 years older than her and known for being a lifelong bachelor.

The couple built a life together that was different from the usual Hollywood story. They focused on their family and stayed grounded.

The two first met in 1982 during a script reading for The Big Chill. Although she didn’t get a part in the movie, their brief meeting left a lasting impression.

Two years later, they met again at New York’s Public Theater.

At that time, she had just starred in Gremlins and was rehearsing a Russian play, while he was preparing for Henry V. Kline, a classically trained actor with two Tony Awards, later joked about their early encounters.

“When I first met her, I thought, ‘She’s too happy to be with me,’” he said, pointing out the contrast between her bubbly personality and his more serious nature.

Despite their differences, their shared love for the arts brought them together and formed the foundation of their lifelong relationship.

By March 1989, after years of building their bond, they had a small wedding in New York City. She was 25, and Kline was 41, already an accomplished actor in theater and film.

The ceremony was intimate, with only close friends and family in attendance. Shortly after, they started planning for a family, welcoming their son, Owen, in 1991 and their daughter, Greta, in 1994.

To provide a stable life for their children, they created a system where one parent would always be home. “We agreed to take turns working so that one of us was always with the kids,” Kline explained. But even when it was her turn to work, she chose to stay home with their children.

Looking back on their early marriage, Kline emphasized the importance of putting family first. “We’re both practical, and we don’t spend long periods apart. We take care of our marriage.” This decision shaped their family-centered life.

At the peak of her career, she made a surprising choice—she left Hollywood entirely. After having children, she decided to focus on being a mother rather than chasing more movie roles.

Her husband spoke with admiration about her decision, saying it wasn’t out of necessity but from a genuine love for her family. “That was one of the things I loved about her,” he said. “She enjoyed acting but wasn’t obsessed with it like I was.”

Rather than trying to balance a demanding career with motherhood, she fully committed to raising her children. She managed the household without hiring help, except for occasional cleaning assistance, and made dinner for her family every night.

When asked about this, she once said, “Some people struggle with that, but I love it. I do it all.” Her choice not only helped her family thrive but also strengthened her marriage, which was built on compromise and shared values.

Their decision to focus on family created a creative and supportive environment for their children, Owen and Greta. Both pursued careers in the arts, influenced by their upbringing in a home filled with artistic inspiration.

Owen gained recognition as an actor in The Squid and the Whale (2005), a critically acclaimed film about a teenager dealing with family struggles. Despite his success, he later focused on directing, releasing his debut film, Funny Pages, in 2022.

He credited his parents for supporting his creative journey. “They really wanted me to figure out how to make my movie,” he said.

Greta found her passion in music. Performing under the name Frankie Cosmos, she became a well-known figure in indie music, admired for her deep lyrics and simple yet unique sound.

Her parents always encouraged her career, often attending her concerts and supporting her artistic endeavors. Their strong presence allowed both children to follow their dreams with confidence.

For over 30 years, Phoebe Cates and Kevin Kline have lived a life centered around their family rather than Hollywood fame. Now celebrating 35 years of marriage, they continue to prioritize their relationship and children over the glitz and glamour.

“If your marriage lasts more than six months, you’re already in the Guinness Book of World Records for a Hollywood marriage,” Kline joked in a 2024 interview. He added that he doesn’t consider their relationship a “Hollywood marriage” at all.

The couple made a conscious choice to live outside of Hollywood’s fast-paced lifestyle. They have spent most of their marriage in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, preferring a quieter and more private existence.

Their home became a place of stability, with family dinners remaining a cherished tradition even as their children grew up and pursued careers of their own.

Kline reflected on their close bond, saying, “We always have dinner together at least once a week. Our kids haven’t cut us out of their lives.” He often attends Greta’s music performances, sometimes even participating in her shows.

Beyond family life, Cates found a new creative outlet. In 2005, she opened Blue Tree, a boutique shop in Manhattan’s Carnegie Hill neighborhood. She described her vision for the store as “a general store, but according to me,” offering a mix of women’s fashion, jewelry, home decor, and unique gifts.

The shop became an extension of her creativity, drawing in loyal customers from around the world. Even though she no longer acts, Cates remains a beloved figure.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jennifer Aniston paid tribute to her in a virtual table read of Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Aniston played Cates’ character, Linda Barrett, even recreating her famous red bikini scene from the original film.

While Cates and Kline occasionally attend public events, they remain committed to their privacy.

Their long-lasting marriage and intentional choices have allowed them to create a meaningful life, focused on their love and shared values rather than the expectations of Hollywood.